Dear World

My young son is starting school today. It's all going to be strange and new to him for a while, and I wish you would sort of treat him gently.

You see, up to now he's been king of the roost. He's been boss of the backyard. His mother has always been near to soothe his wounds and repair his feelings. But now things are going to be different.

This morning, he's going to walk to the door, wave his hand, and start out on the great adventure. It is an adventure that might take him across continents, across oceans. It's an adventure that will probably include wars and tragedy and sorrow. To live his life in the world he will have to live in, will require faith and love and courage.

So, World, I wish you would sort of look after him. Take him by the hand and teach him things he will have to know. But, do it gently, if you can. He will have to learn, I know, that all men are not true. But teach him also that for every scoundrel there is a hero--that for every crooked politician there is a great and dedicated leader. Teach him that for every enemy, there is a friend.

It will take time, World, I know. But teach him, if you can, that a nickel earned is of far more value than a dollar found. Teach him to learn to lose so he'll enjoy winning that much more.

Steer him away from envy if you can, and teach him the secret of quiet laughter. Let him learn early that bullies are the easiest to whip in the school yard. Teach him, if you can, the wonders of books. But also let him ponder the eternal mystery of birds on the wing, and flowers on a green hill.

In school, World, teach him it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat. Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone says they are wrong. Teach him to be gentle with gentle people and tough with tough people.

Try to give my son the strength not to follow the crowd when everyone is getting on the bandwagon. Teach him to listen to all men, but teach him also to filter all he bears on a screen of truth and take just the good that siphons through.

Teach him, if you can, how to laugh when he is sad but teach him there is no shame in tears. Teach him there can be glory in failure and despair in success.

Teach him to scoff at cynics and to beware of too much sweetness. Teach him to sell his brains and brawn to the highest bidder but never to put a price tag on his heart and soul. Teach him how to close his ears to a howling mob, but to stand and fight if he thinks he's right.

Teach him there are times when a man must gamble, and there are times to pass the dice.

Treat him gently, World, if you can. But don't coddle him, because only the test of fire makes fine steel. Let him have the courage to be impatient; let him have the patience to be brave.

Let him be no man's man. Teach him always to have sublime faith in himself. Because then he will always have sublime faith in mankind.

This is quite an order, World, but see what you can do. He's such a little nice fellow, my son.



My dear Aunt Evie sent this to me a few months ago. I love this. This will be Levi's first day of preschool. I am so excited for him. I am struggling with the fact that this is Marki's last year of preschool. I just looked at her shoes and they are huge! How do they grow so fast?!?!

Have a great first day of preschool Levi. Have a great last first day of preschool, Marki. I love you guys. First day pictures will be on here later today.